Croft Community School, located in Annfield Plain, Stanley, is a maintained special school catering for pupils with cognition and learning difficulties, as well as those with communication and interaction challenges, including autism spectrum disorder. The school has undergone significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The recent inspection in October 2021 resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good, with specific areas such as behavior and attitudes receiving an outstanding rating.
Pupils thrive in an environment where staff are attuned to their individual needs, fostering a sense of pride in their achievements. The school emphasizes a supportive atmosphere, where younger pupils receive additional help to enhance their communication skills, while older pupils are equipped with essential skills for adulthood. Parents express satisfaction with the school's approach, highlighting its positive ethos. However, there are instances where pupils lack the necessary knowledge to complete assigned tasks, indicating a need for further curriculum development.
The school maintains an orderly and upbeat atmosphere, ensuring that pupils feel safe and well cared for. Reports of bullying are rare, and pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles, enhancing their sense of responsibility. Relationships between pupils and staff are notably positive, with pupils demonstrating respect and dedication to their studies. The school promotes emotional management skills, enabling pupils to express concerns and manage their feelings effectively.
Leadership at Croft Community School has made commendable strides in improving various aspects of the institution. The executive leaders, school leaders, and governors have implemented changes that have positively impacted pupil behavior and addressed diverse needs. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders have established robust improvement plans to further enhance curriculum development. The curriculum is designed to cater to the varied additional needs of pupils, offering a broad range of subjects, including academic, practical, and vocational options for older students.
While improvements in curriculum delivery have been noted, particularly in English and mathematics, some subjects still require better prioritization of essential knowledge. For instance, the science curriculum lacks sufficient focus on scientific vocabulary, which can hinder pupils' ability to complete tasks effectively. Plans are in place to address these gaps, and teaching staff are adapting their methods to support pupils who struggle with information retention.
The school places a strong emphasis on reading as a foundational skill for learning across subjects. Effective phonics training has been implemented, ensuring that staff are well-equipped to support pupils in developing their reading abilities. Additionally, the school has established a comprehensive program for social, moral, spiritual, and cultural understanding, promoting respect for others and encouraging teamwork through various activities.
Despite the positive developments, there are areas identified for improvement. The curriculum in some subjects requires better planning and sequencing, and assessment methods need to be refined to identify gaps in pupils' knowledge more effectively. Furthermore, the careers program is recognized as needing further development to better prepare pupils for future education and employment opportunities.
Overall, Croft Community School has made significant progress since its last inspection, demonstrating a commitment to meeting the diverse needs of its pupils. The leadership's focus on improving behavior, curriculum, and support systems has created a positive learning environment, although continued efforts are necessary to address the identified areas for growth.
